Film board wants TV channels to suspend homosexuality content

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has asked a pay television network to block access to six children’s programmes running on its channels for glorifying homosexuality and flouting the regulator’s broadcast content distribution regulations.

In a press statement to newsrooms, the board’s Chief Executive Officer, Ezekiel Mutua, ordered Multichoice to disable Loud House, the Legend of Korra and Hey Arnold, which are animation children’s programmes aired on  Nickelodeon channel; Clarence, Steven Universe, and Adventure Time, available on DSTV’s wide range of cartoon channels.

“While these are pay TV Channels, accessible through subscription, most parents in Kenya may not be aware that the children’s programmes are laced with retrogressive and bizarre messages intended to promote the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) agenda in the country. The programmes also bear misleading age suitability ratings that are inconsistent with KFCB content Classification Guidelines and indeed against the laws of Kenya,” said Mr. Mutua.

Mutua warned that the board would move to court should the channels fail to remove the programmes off air, adding that the board had written to Multichoice informing the service provider that homosexuality goes against the Kenya’s  moral values and culture.

“As the board puts in place measures to ensure children are protected from harmful content, we urge parents to be more vigilant in monitoring the content their children are watching on television. In this regard, KFCB is working closely with parents, learning institutions and religious organizations to create awareness on ways of protecting children from accessing harmful content on all platforms.”

He said that the board has shared its concerns with other Government agencies and religious institutions in an effort to make sure that children do not access inappropriate content.

“We have also intensified our public sensitization efforts to create awareness on responsible consumption of media content. The Board is alive to the dangers of unregulated content and will continue working with all stakeholders to protect children from accessing harmful content.”